The Origin of the Chilian War.

Manawatu Herald, Volume III, Issue III, 3 December 1891, Page 3

The Origin of the Chilian War.

— ■«. — — Mr Trumbull, agent of the Chilian ( j^Congress Government, gives a very , simple explanation of the origin of the Chilian war. It arose, he says, t~ from the desire of President Balmaceda to become a millionaire : — « The nitrate beds of Tarasaca, owned by the Government, presented the most promising field ior speculation. If a rich syndicate could be ■ formed to buy these beds, and if a large amount could' be distributed among the promoters of the scheme, his ambition would be satisfied, for he intended to be the chief promoter. In order, however, successfully to oarry out this project a congress favourable to its promotion was necessary, as well as a successor who could be depended on. He could not find a fitter instrument for the consummation oi his plan than his confidential agent and broker Senor Eurique Sanfuentes, a man without political experience and with a reputation acquired in questionable transactions. The candidacy of Senor Sanfuetes now became the one object of his administration. After having failed to secure the consent of Congress to his design he declared himselfa dictator, suspended the laws thafc embarrassed him, closed all the courts, suspended all the newspapers, and seized all the' property of his opponents. Hence the war.